Mountable electrical system

ABSTRACT

A system for an electrical power distribution network includes a plurality of electrical apparatuses, each electrical apparatus including a mechanical connection and at least one electrical connector; and a single-piece unitary support configured to receive and hold the plurality of electrical apparatuses, the support including: a frame including a plurality of mechanical interfaces, each of the mechanical interfaces configured to receive and hold a mechanical connection of one of the plurality of electrical apparatus; a cover extending from a side of the frame; and a panel integrated with the frame, the panel including a plurality of electrical interfaces, each of the plurality of electrical interfaces configured to couple to an electrical connector of one of the electrical apparatuses, the cover positioned over the panel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/343,040, filed Nov. 3, 2016 and titled MOUNTABLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a mountable electrical system. The electricalsystem includes a support structure and an electrical apparatus (suchas, for example, a recloser). The electrical system may be mounted, forexample, on a utility pole of an electrical power distribution network.

BACKGROUND

Switchgears or reclosers may be used in an electrical power distributionnetwork to protect the network from electrical fault conditions. Undernormal operating conditions, the recloser is closed, and electricalcurrent flows through the recloser. In response to detecting a faultcondition, the recloser trips or opens to prevent current from flowingthrough the recloser, and then opens and closes a number of times. Ifthe fault condition persists, the recloser remains open. If the faultcondition clears, the recloser closes and the distribution networkresumes normal operation. The recloser and/or other electricalapparatuses may be attached to a structure in the electrical powerdistribution network.

SUMMARY

In one general aspect, a system for an electrical power distributionnetwork includes an electrical apparatus and a support. The electricalapparatus includes a mechanical connection and at least one electricalconnector. The support is configured to hold the electrical apparatus atthe mechanical connection. The support includes: a frame including amechanical interface configured to couple to the mechanical connectionof the electrical apparatus; a bracket connected to the frame, thebracket including a first side and a second side; a housing including atop portion and at least two side portions, the top portion extendingfrom the first side of the bracket, and each side portion extending fromthe top portion in a first direction; and an electrical panel integratedwith the support and including at least one electrical interface on anexterior of the housing, the electrical panel being received between twoof the side portions of the housing, the electrical panel beingseparated from the top portion of the housing in the first direction,the at least one electrical interface of the electrical panel configuredto electrically couple to the at least one electrical connector of theelectrical apparatus.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Thetop portion of the housing may have a substantially flat section thatextends from the first side of the bracket at an angle. The angle may beless than 90 degrees. The electrical apparatus may include a recloser.The recloser may include a recloser housing, and the mechanicalconnection may be on the recloser housing. In some implementations, whenthe mechanical connection is received in the mechanical interface, abottom portion of the recloser housing is aligned with a bottom portionof the support such that the bottom portion of the recloser and thebottom portion of the support are in substantially the same plane.

The electrical connector may be an electrical cable.

The panel may be held in a fixed position between the two of the sideportions of the housing.

One end of the panel may be hingedly connected to at least one of thetwo side portions of the housing or the frame.

The mechanical connection of the electrical apparatus may include aconnection block that defines one or more notches, and the mechanicalinterface of the frame may include an opening that receives theconnection block, at least one of the one or more notches of theconnection block latching onto an edge of the opening of the frame.

The mechanical connection of the electrical apparatus may include anopening, and the mechanical interface of the frame may include aconnection block that is configured to be received in the opening of theelectrical apparatus, the connection block may define one or morenotches, at least one of the one or more notches of the connection blocklatching onto an edge of the opening of the electrical apparatus.

The second side of the bracket may define a channel configured toreceive a utility pole.

One or more posts may extend from the frame in the first direction, andthe post may be configured to hold the system upright.

The mechanical connection of the electrical apparatus may removable fromthe mechanical interface of the frame.

The system also may include an electrical component in an interior ofthe housing. The interior of the housing may be between the top portionand the panel, and the electrical component may electrically connectedto the electrical interface through the panel.

The frame, bracket, and the housing may be a single, unitary piece.

In another general aspect, a system for an electrical power distributionnetwork includes a plurality of electrical apparatuses, each electricalapparatus including a mechanical connection and at least one electricalconnector; and a support configured to receive and hold the plurality ofelectrical apparatuses. The support includes: a frame that includes aplurality of mechanical interfaces, each of the mechanical interfacesconfigured to receive and hold a mechanical connection of one of theplurality of electrical apparatus; a housing extending from a first sideof the frame toward a second side of the frame, the housing including atop portion and at least two side portions extending from the topportion in a first direction; and a panel received in the housing andseparated from the top portion in the first direction, the panelincluding a first side configured to face to an exterior of the housingand a second side configured to face an interior of the housing, thefirst side of the panel including a plurality of electrical interfaces,each of the plurality of electrical interfaces configured to couple toan electrical connector of one of the plurality of electricalapparatuses, where the plurality of mechanical interfaces are positionedon the frame such that the plurality of electrical apparatuses aremountable on the support relative to each other in at least twodifferent spatial arrangements.

In some implementations, the plurality of electrical apparatuses includeat least one recloser. The plurality of electrical apparatuses mayinclude at least one transformer.

In another general aspect, a system for an electrical power distributionnetwork includes a plurality of electrical apparatuses, each electricalapparatus including a mechanical connection and at least one electricalconnector; and a single-piece unitary support configured to receive andhold the plurality of electrical apparatuses. The support includes: aframe including a plurality of mechanical interfaces, each of themechanical interfaces configured to receive and hold a mechanicalconnection of one of the plurality of electrical apparatus; a coverextending from a side of the frame; and a panel integrated with theframe, the panel including a plurality of electrical interfaces, each ofthe plurality of electrical interfaces configured to couple to anelectrical connector of one of the electrical apparatuses, the coverpositioned over the panel.

In some implementations, the cover includes a substantially flatportion, and the substantially flat portion of the cover extends fromthe side of the frame and is angled toward the panel.

Implementations of any of the techniques described herein may include anapparatus, a system that includes an electrical apparatus and a supportstructure with an integrated electrical panel, a replaceable electricalpanel, an electrical apparatus, a support structure, a kit forretrofitting an electrical apparatus, and/or a method. The details ofone or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawingsand the description below. Other features will be apparent from thedescription and drawings, and from the claims.

DRAWING DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electrical power distribution networkthat includes a mountable electrical system.

FIG. 2A is a side cross-sectional block diagram of an exemplarymountable electrical system in a disassembled state.

FIG. 2B is a side cross-sectional block diagram of the exemplarymountable electrical system of FIG. 2A in an assembled state.

FIG. 2C is a block diagram of an underside of a support structure of themountable electrical system of FIGS. 2A and 2B.

FIG. 2D is a side cross-sectional view of the electrical apparatus ofFIGS. 2A and 2C and a partial cross-sectional view of the supportstructure of FIGS. 2A and 2C.

FIGS. 2E and 2F are top views of exemplary electrical apparatuses.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are a side cross-sectional views of an exemplarymountable electrical system in an assembled state.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an exemplary support structure.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram of an underside of the support structure ofFIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary electrical system attached toa utility pole.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are block diagrams of an exemplary electrical systemmounted in a sub station.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views of two different spatialarrangements of electrical apparatuses on a support structure.

FIG. 7C is a bottom perspective view of the spatial arrangement of FIG.7A.

FIGS. 8A-8C are perspective views of exemplary electrical apparatuses.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A field-ready mountable electrical system is disclosed. The mountableelectrical system includes a support structure, which may be mounted toa utility pole or other assembly in an electrical power distributionnetwork, and an electrical apparatus, which is attachable to the supportstructure. An electrical panel configured for electrical connection tothe electrical apparatus is integrated or incorporated into the supportstructure. As discussed below, integration of the electrical panel intothe support structure provides environmental protection for theelectrical panel.

Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram of an example electrical powerdistribution network 100, which includes a mountable electrical system110, is shown. The mountable electrical system 110 includes anelectrical apparatus 120 and a support structure 130. The electricalapparatus 120 may be, for example, a switchgear, a single-phaserecloser, a triple single recloser (which may be, for example, threesingle-phase reclosers that are each configured to control one phase ofa three-phase system with one common electronic control for all threereclosers), a three-phase recloser (which may include, for example, aninterrupting mechanism that is able to interrupt current in all threephases simultaneously), a transformer, a capacitor switch, asectionalizer switch, a distribution automated switch, a circuitbreaker, or a fuse assembly. The support structure 130 holds theelectrical apparatus 120 and also mounts or attaches to a structure inthe electrical power distribution network 100. For example, the supportstructure 130 may be mounted to a utility pole on which transmissionlines and other equipment are also mounted. In some implementations, thesupport structure 130 is mounted to or placed on a pad or slab in a substation.

The support structure 130 includes a cover 132 and an integratedelectrical panel 150. The integrated electrical panel 150 isincorporated into the support structure 130 and is part of the supportstructure 130. Thus, the support structure 130 provides thefunctionality of an electrical connection system that receiveselectrical connections from the electrical apparatus 120, such as ajunction box, and also acts as a physical support that holds theelectrical apparatus 120 in place in the electrical power distributionnetwork 100. Moreover, although the electrical panel 150 is incorporatedor integrated into the support structure 130, the electrical panel 150may be removable or replaceable.

The electrical panel 150 is positioned in the support structure 130relative to the cover 132 such that the cover 132 provides environmentalprotection to the electrical panel 150. For example, the cover 132protects the electrical panel 150 from rain and snow, thus increasingthe life and reliability of the electrical panel 150. Additionally,incorporating the electrical panel 150 into the support structure 130allows the electrical panel 150 to be positioned in a manner thatprovides an operator with access the electrical panel 150. Furthermore,in some implementations, the cover 132 is tilted to discourage wildlifefrom nesting on the support structure 130.

The electrical power distribution network 100 may be any network thattransfers electricity from a power source 101 to electrical equipment102. The electrical power distribution network 100 may be, for example,an electrical grid, an electrical system, or a multi-phase electricalnetwork that provides electricity to commercial and/or residentialcustomers. The power distribution network 100 may have an operatingvoltage of, for example, at least 1 kilovolt (kV), up to 34.5 kV, up to38 kV, up to 69 kV, or 69 kV or higher. The power distribution network100 may operate at a fundamental frequency of, for example, 50-60 Hertz(Hz).

The power source 101 may be any source of electrical power. Theelectrical equipment 102 may be any electrical equipment that receiveselectricity from the power source 101 and may include electricalequipment that receives and transfers or distributes electricity toother equipment in the power distribution network 100. For example, theelectrical equipment 102 may include transformers, fuses, electricalmachinery in a manufacturing facility, and/or electrical appliances anddevices in a residential building.

The power distribution network 100 transports electricity from a firstportion 108 of the network 100 to a second portion 109 of the networkvia a transmission path 106. The transmission path 106 may include, forexample, one or more transmission lines, electrical cables, wirelesstransmission paths, and/or any other mechanism for transmittingelectricity. The electrical apparatus 120 may be a recloser thatincludes an interrupting module (such as, for example, a vacuuminterrupter) that is capable of interrupting (opening) and closing thetransmission path 106. In the example in which the electrical apparatus120 is a recloser, the flow of electricity between the first portion 108and the second portion 109 is controlled by the electrical apparatus 120and associated electronic. The associated controls may includeelectronic controls (such as the control system 587 of FIG. 5) and/ormechanical controls (for example, actuators, springs, hydraulics, andother mechanical components that may be configured to drive varioussubsystems of the electrical apparatus 120).

FIGS. 2A-2C are block diagrams of an electrical system 210. Theelectrical system 210 is an example of an implementation of theelectrical system 110. The electrical system 210 may be used in theelectrical power distribution network 100 (FIG. 1). FIGS. 2A and 2B areside cross-sectional block diagrams of the electrical system 210. FIG.2C is a block diagram of an underside 270 of a support structure 230.The underside 270 is substantially in the x-y plane. The cross-sectionsof the support structure 230 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B are in the x-zplane taken along the line 2A-2A, which is shown in FIG. 2C.

The electrical system includes an electrical apparatus 220 and thesupport structure 230. The electrical apparatus 220 may be, for example,a recloser. The electrical apparatus 220 includes a mechanicalconnection 222, which is used to attach the electrical apparatus 220 tothe support structure 230. FIG. 2A shows the electrical system 210 in adisassembled state in which the electrical apparatus 220 is not held bythe support structure 230. FIG. 2B shows the electrical system 210 in anassembled state in which the electrical apparatus 220 is held by thesupport structure 230.

Referring also to FIG. 2C, the support structure 230 includes aplurality of mechanical interfaces 232 a-232 e. When the mechanicalconnection 222 is coupled to one of the mechanical interfaces 232 a-232e, the electrical apparatus 220 is connected to the support structure230. FIG. 2B shows an example of the mechanical connection 222 connectedto the mechanical interface 232 c. The mechanical connection 222 may berepeatedly connected and disconnected to any of the mechanicalinterfaces 232 a-232 e without damaging either the mechanical connection222 or the mechanical interfaces 232 a-232 e. In the example of FIGS.2A-2C, the mechanical connection 222 is a connection block that extendsfrom a housing 221 of the electrical apparatus 220, and the mechanicalinterface 232 c is an opening that receives the connection block 222 ofthe electrical apparatus 220.

The support structure 230 includes a housing 231, a frame 233 (whichincludes portions 233 a-233 d), and a bracket 235. The bracket 235 maybe used to mount the support structure 230 to a utility pole, post, orother structure in the electrical power distribution network 100. Thehousing 231 includes a top portion or cover 236 and side portions 237a-237 d (FIG. 2C) that extend from the cover 236 along the −z direction.In the example of FIGS. 2A-2C, the cover 236 is in the x-y plane andextends from the bracket 235 at a right angle (90°). However, in someimplementations (such as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B), the cover is angledrelative to the bracket 235 at an angle other than 90°. In the exampleof FIGS. 2A-2C, each side portion 237 a-237 d extends in the −zdirection from one side of the cover 236, with one side portionextending from each side of the cover 236. In other examples, one ormore of the side portions 237 a-237 d extend from the cover 236 at anangle and in a direction other than the −z direction. The bracket 235may form all or a part of one of the side portions 237 a-237 d.

The support structure 230 also includes an electrical panel 250, whichhas an outer side 238 and an inner side 239. The electrical panel 250 isintegrated into the support structure 230. However, the electrical panel250 may be removable such that the electrical panel 250 may be replacedas needed. For example, the electrical panel 250 may be held securely tothe support structure 230 by screws or other fasteners such that theelectrical panel 250 is part of and is integrated with the supportstructure 230 during use yet still may be removed and/or replaced by anoperator of the electrical system 210.

The electrical panel 250 is separated from the cover 236 along the zdirection. Together, the top portion 236 and the side portions 237 a-237d form the housing 231 and define a space 254. The space 254 may becompletely or partially enclosed by the side portions 237 a-237 d, thecover 236, and the panel 250. In some implementations, side portionsextend from fewer than all of the sides of the cover 236 and the space254 is partially enclosed. In other implementations, the side portions237 a-237 d are not included in the support structure 230, and the space254 is a partially enclosed region between the cover 236 and the panel250. In some implementations, the cover 236 may form all or part of theside portion 237 c.

The outer side 238 includes electrical interfaces 252 a-252 f, which areaccessible from an exterior of the housing 231. The electrical apparatus220 includes an electrical connector 223, which electrically connects toone of the electrical interfaces 252 a-252 f. The electrical interfaces252 a-252 f also may be capable of electrically connecting to connectorsother than the electrical connector 223. For example, some or all of theelectrical interfaces 252 a-252 f may be configured to electricallyconnect to a control cable such as the control cable 586 of FIG. 5. Theelectrical connector 223 may be, for example, a cable that carrieselectrical power, data, and/or control signals to the electricalapparatus 220. The electrical interfaces 252 a-252 f may be any kind ofelectrical interface capable of connecting to the electrical connector223, including, for example, a 3-prong outlet; a 38999 Series IV generalpurpose connector available from the Eaton Corporation of Cleveland,Ohio; a recessed electrical connector, and/or a circular connector suchas, for example, a 38999 Series III or a 5015 Series II connectoravailable from Amphenol Aerospace of Sidney, N.Y. In someimplementations, the electrical interfaces 252 a-252 f may be interfacesthat are configured to be hardwired to the electrical connector 223.

The electrical interfaces 252 a-252 f be may mounted in the electricalpanel 250 such that the interfaces 252 a-252 f are able to electricallyconnect to one or more components that are in or exposed to the space254. For example, any of the electrical interfaces 252 a-252 f may passthrough the panel 250 to provide an electrical connection to components(such as electrical connectors, electrical devices, and switches)mounted on the inner side 239 of the electrical panel 250. Moreover, oneor more of the electrical interfaces 252 a-252 f may be electricallyconnected to another of the electrical interfaces 252 a-252 f. Forexample, the components at the inner side 239 may include a wire thatconnects one or more electrical interface.

In the example shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the electrical panel 250 includessix electrical interfaces 252 a-252 f arranged in a regular grid. Thesix electrical interfaces 252 a-252 f may all be the same type ofinterface or the electrical interfaces 252 a-252 f may include more thanone type of interface. The electrical panel 250 may include more orfewer than six electrical interfaces, and the electrical interfaces maybe arranged on the electrical panel 250 in a manner other than themanner shown in the example of FIG. 2C. Additionally, in the exampleshown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the electrical panel 250 is substantially in thex-y plane and extends from the bracket 235 and/or the frame portion 233a at 90°. However, in other implementations, the electrical panel 250may form an angle with the bracket 235 and/or the frame portion 233 athat is other than 90°. For example, the electrical panel 250 may betilted toward the cover 236 such that the angle between the electricalpanel 250 and the bracket 235 and/or frame portion 233 a is less than90°. In some implementations, the electrical panel 250 may be tiltedsuch that the angle between the electrical panel 250 and the bracket 235and/or the frame portion 233 a is 85°. Tilting the panel 250 in thismanner may provide improved performance. For example, tilting the panel250 may allow moisture that collects in the housing 231 to flow out ofthe housing 231 and away from the panel 250.

The frame 233 is connected to the bracket 235. In the example of FIG.2C, the frame 233 and the bracket 235 form a perimeter around theelectrical panel 250 in the x-y plane. The frame includes portions 233a-233 d. The portion 233 a is connected to the bracket 235, each of theportions 233 b and 233 d extend from one end of the frame portion 233 a,and the frame portion 233 c extends between the frame portions 233 b and233 d. The frame 233 also includes a plurality of mechanical interfaces232 a-232 e. The mechanical interface 232 a is in the frame portion 233b, the mechanical interfaces 232 b-232 d are in the portion 233 c, andthe mechanical interface 232 e is in the frame portion 233 d.

The mechanical interfaces 232 a-232 e may be any mechanical interfacecapable of physical connection with the mechanical connection 222 of theelectrical apparatus 220. For example, the mechanical interfaces 232a-232 e may be openings that are formed in the respective portion of theframe 233. The openings may be cut-outs that pass through the respectiveportion of the frame 233. The openings may have a lip or edge thatlatches onto a corresponding notch in the mechanical connection 222.Referring also FIG. 2D, an example of such a configuration is shown.FIG. 2D is a side view of the electrical apparatus 220 and a partialside view of the support structure 230. In the example of FIG. 2D, themechanical interface 232 c is an opening. A lip or edge 240 c is formedat a perimeter of the opening. The mechanical connection 222 defines anotch 224. In the example of FIG. 2D, the notch 224 is oriented down(facing the −z direction in FIG. 2D). To connect the electricalapparatus 220 to the support structure 230, the mechanical connection222 is inserted into the opening and the notch 224 receives the lip 240c. The mechanical connection 222 is held in the opening by a physicalengagement between the notch 224 and the lip 240 c. The electricalapparatus 220 is held to the support structure 230 securely until beingintentionally removed by, for example, an operator of the system 210. Toremove the electrical apparatus 220 from the support structure 230, theelectrical apparatus 220 is moved in the z direction to disengage thenotch 224 and the lip 240 c and the mechanical connection 222 is removedfrom the opening.

The configuration shown in FIG. 2D is an example, and otherconfigurations of the mechanical connection 222 and the mechanicalinterface 232 c are possible. For example, in some implementations, morethan one notch 224 is formed in the mechanical connection 222 and morethan one corresponding lip 240 c is formed in the support structure 230.In the example of FIG. 2D, the lip 240 c is formed on a bottom edge ofthe mechanical interface 232 c. However, the lip may be formed on otheredges of a mechanical interface. In some implementations, the housing221 of the electrical apparatus 220 includes a recess instead of theconnection block 222. In these implementations, the mechanical interfaceof the support structure 230 includes a connection block with a notch(similar to the connection block 222 and notch 224 shown in FIG. 2D). Inthis implementation, the notch may be oriented up (facing the zdirection in FIG. 2D) as opposed to the example notch 224, which isoriented down (facing the −z direction in FIG. 2D).

The mechanical connection 232 c is shown in FIG. 2D for illustration,and the other mechanical interfaces 232 a, 232 b, 232 d, and 232 e maybe the same or different than the mechanical interface 232 c. Forexample, the mechanical interfaces 232 a-232 e may be connection blocksthat protrude from the respective portion of the frame 233. In theseimplementations, the connection blocks are received and held in by themechanical connection 222 (which are corresponding openings in thisexample) of the electrical apparatus 220. The mechanical interfaces 232a-232 e may be configured to allow the electrical apparatus 220 to beremoved and reconnected by an end user, installer, or operator of thesystem 210. However, regardless of their configuration, all of themechanical interfaces 232 a-232 e provide a connection point formounting an electrical apparatus on the support structure 230.

Furthermore, the mechanical connection 222 and/or the mechanicalinterfaces 232 a-232 e may have subcomponents. FIGS. 2E and 2F are,respectively, top views of a block diagram of the electrical apparatus220 and an electrical apparatus 220F. FIGS. 2E and 2F show exampleimplementations of the mechanical connection 222. The electricalapparatus 220 of FIG. 2E has a single connection block as the mechanicalconnection 222. The electrical apparatus 220F has a mechanicalconnection 222F, which is formed from two connection blocks. Otherconfigurations are also possible.

Additionally, in some implementations, the support structure 230 and theelectrical apparatus 220 act together to form a self-aligning structure.The electrical apparatus 220 may include a base portion 225 (FIG. 2D),which has an end surface 226. When the electrical apparatus 220 isconnected to the support structure 230 at any of the mechanicalconnections 232 a-232 e, the end surface 226 is aligned with an end 272(FIG. 2D) of the support structure 230. The end surface 226 may bealigned with the end 272 when the end surface 226 and the end 272 form aline in the x-y plane. In other words, the end surface 226 and the end272 are in the same plane (the x-y plane in this example). The endsurface 226 and the end 272 may be considered to be aligned with eachother when the end surface 226 and the end 272 are in planes that aredisplaced from each other in the z direction by, for example, no morethan about 1 centimeter (cm).

Aligning the end 272 and the end surface 226 may allow the system 210 tobe packaged and/or transported more easily and with a lower risk ofdamage as compared to a system 210 that is not self-aligning. Moreover,the self-aligning system 210 may be more compact than other systems andwhen assembled (or field-ready) may fit into, for example, a space (suchas a shipping pallet) having a volume of 48×46×48 inches(121.9×116.8×121.9 cm). The self-aligning nature of the electricalapparatus 220 and the support structure 230 also may make assembly inthe field easier and less error-prone as compared to a system that isnot self-aligning.

Referring again to FIGS. 2A-2C, the mechanical interfaces 232 a-232 eare arranged relative to each other such that the support structure 230is able to hold more than one electrical apparatus at the same time. Inthe example of FIG. 2C, the mechanical interfaces 232 a-232 e arealigned with each other in the x-y plane. For example, the mechanicalinterfaces 232 a-232 e may be openings that pass through the respectiveportion of the frame 233. In this example, the mechanical interfaces 232a-232 e may be aligned in the x-y plane by, for example, the center ofeach opening defining a plane that is contained in the x-y plane. Themechanical interfaces 232 b-232 d, which are in the portion 233 b, maybe equally spaced from each other along the y direction. Additionally,the mechanical interfaces 232 a-232 e are arranged such that a singleframe may be used to hold electrical apparatuses in differentconfigurations. FIGS. 7A and 7B, which are discussed below, show acollection of electrical apparatus being held in two differentconfigurations.

The panel 250 may be positioned in the frame 233 relative to themechanical interfaces 232 a-232 e such that the distance between thepanel 250 and any of the mechanical interfaces 232 a-232 e is minimized.For example, a line that extends in the x direction and passes throughthe center of the panel 250 may be coincident with a line that extendsin the x direction and passes through the center of the frame 233. Inthis way, the electrical connector 223 may reach at least one of theelectrical interfaces 252 a-252 f regardless of which mechanicalinterface 232 a-232 e is used to mount the electrical apparatus 220 tothe support structure 230.

A typical junction box is not integrated or incorporated into a frame,structure, or other apparatus that also holds electrical equipment.Thus, a typical junction box is generally attached to a utility pole orother structure separately from the apparatus that holds the electricalequipment. As compared to a junction box or other connection system thatis not integrated or incorporated into a frame, the support structure230 and the electrical panel 250 provide less complex and more reliableelectrical connections to electrical apparatuses that are attached tothe support structure 230. Additionally, the placement of the electricalinterfaces 252 a-252 f on the outer side 238 of the panel 250 allows anoperator to easily access the electrical interfaces 252 a-252 f forinstallation, maintenance, troubleshooting, or other activities.Further, the electrical panel 250 may provide a central location forgrounding of electrical apparatuses that are attached to the supportstructure 230. Moreover, because the panel 250 is below (in the −zdirection of FIGS. 2A and 2B) the cover 236, the cover 236 providesenvironmental protection to the panel 250.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are side cross-sectional block diagrams of an examplemountable electrical system 310. The mountable electrical system 310 isan example of an implementation of the electrical system 210 (FIGS.2A-2C). The electrical system 310 may be used in the electrical powerdistribution network 100 of FIG. 1.

The mountable electrical system 310 includes the electrical apparatus220 and a support structure 330 that holds the electrical apparatus 220.The support structure 330 is the same as the support structure 230(FIGS. 2A-2C), except the support structure 330 includes a cover 336that is slanted at an angle 342 relative to the bracket 235. The angle342 may be between, for example, 45° and 65°. The slant of the cover 336may discourage or prevent wildlife from nesting on the support structure330. A space 354 is defined by the cover 336, side portions 237 a-237 d(which have different extents in the z direction in the example of FIGS.3A and 3B), and the electrical panel 250.

In the example of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the electrical panel 250 is connectedto the bracket 235 and/or the frame portion 233 a via a pivot 341. Thepivot 341 allows the panel 250 to move along an arc 343 (FIG. 3B). Thepivot 341 may be any element that allows the panel 250 to move along thearc 343 between a closed position (FIG. 3A) and an open position (FIG.3B). For example, the pivot 341 may be a hinge. In some implementations,the pivot 341 is a shoulder bolt or a retained pin. In someimplementations, the panel 250 is attached to the bracket 235, the frameportion 233 a, and/or one or more of the sides 237 b-237 d with bolts.Removing or loosening the bolts from all but one side allows the panel250 to open. For example, the panel 250 may be attached to the bracket235 with two bolts and to the side 237 c with two bolts. Removing orloosening the bolts at the side 237 c allows the panel 250 to move alongthe arc 343. Removing or loosening the bolts at the bracket 235 allowsthe panel 250 to pivot along an arc (not shown) that is about the side237 c.

In the closed position, the inner side 239 of the control panel 250faces the space 354. When in the closed position, the panel 250 may bemoved along the arc 343 to the open position by, for example, applying aforce in the −z direction to the panel 250. The force may be applied byan operator of the system 310. When in the open position, the inner side239 of the panel 250 is exposed an exterior of the support structure330. Exposing the inner side 239 allows the operator to performmaintenance, troubleshoot, or upgrade components 344 and 345 of thepanel 250 or the panel 250 itself. In the example shown, the component344 is a wire and the component 345 is an interface that is electricallyconnected to the electrical interface 252 b. Thus, the electricalinterface 252 b and the electrical interface 252 c are connected to eachother by the wire 344. In this configuration, the electrical interface252 b may be used to connect the electrical apparatus 220 to a controlcable (such as the control cable 586 of FIG. 5) such that, when theelectrical apparatus 220 is connected to the electrical interface 252 cvia the connector 223, electrical apparatus 220 also may be connected toa physically separate control system (such as the control system 587 ofFIG. 5) that is connected to the panel 250 at the electrical interface252 b. To return the panel 250 to the closed position, the operatormoves the panel 250 along the arc 343 to the position shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a support structure 430. The supportstructure 430 is an example of an implementation of the supportstructure 130, 230, or 330, and the support structure 430 may be used inthe electrical power distribution network 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 4B is ablock diagram of an underside 470 of the support structure 430.

The support structure 430 includes a bracket 435 and frame portions 433a-433 d. The bracket has a first side 435 a and a second side 435 b. Thebracket 435 defines a channel 446 at the second side 435 b. The channel446 is sized to attach to a post or utility pole, and the channel 446may be used to mount the support structure 430 to the post or utilitypole. FIGS. 5 and 6A show examples of mounting a support frame to a postor utility pole at a channel similar to the channel 446.

The frame portion 433 a is connected to the bracket 435 and extends fromthe bracket 435 along the y direction. Each of the frame portions 433 band 433 d extend from an end of the frame portion 433 a, and the frameportion 433 c extends between the frame portions 433 b and 433 d.Mechanical interfaces 432 a-432 e for connecting to correspondingmechanical connections on an electrical apparatus (such as theelectrical apparatus 220 of FIG. 2A) are formed in the frame portions433 b-433 d. Additionally, lower extensions 472 extend in the −zdirection from an end of each of the frame portions 433 a-433 d. Thelower extensions 472 may be used to mount or place the support frame ona surface, such as shown in FIG. 6B.

An electrical panel 450 is integrated into the underside 470 of thesupport structure 430. The electrical panel 450 includes electricalinterfaces 452 a-452 d, each of which are configured to electricallyconnect to an electrical apparatus (such as the electrical apparatus 220of FIG. 2A).

Positioning the electrical panel 450 at the underside 470 of the supportstructure 430 provides the panel 450 with some protection from theenvironment (such as rain and wind) and also allows relatively easyaccess to the electrical interfaces 452 a-452 d. In someimplementations, the panel 450 may be slanted at an angle relative tothe bracket 435 to encourage moisture runoff. Additionally oralternatively, the panel 450 may be connected to the bracket 435 at apivot connection so that the panel 450 may swing open for servicing. Forexample, the panel 450 may be connected to the bracket 435 with aconnection such as the pivot 341 of FIGS. 3A and 3B.

A cover 436 extends from a first side 435 a of the bracket 435 at anangle 442. The angle 442 is less than 90°, thus, the cover 436 slopestoward the underside 470 and the frame portion 433 c. The angle 442 maybe, for example, 45° to 65°. In the example of FIG. 4A, the cover 436 issubstantially flat such that items and materials cannot rest on thecover 436. As such, the placement of the cover 436 at the angle 442forms a flat, slanted surface that discourages wildlife from nesting onthe support structure 430. Sides 437 b-437 d extend from the cover 436in the −z direction. Together, the sides 437 b-437 d (and/or the bracket435) and the cover 436 form a housing 431. The electrical interfaces 440a-440 d may pass through the panel 450 and into an interior of thehousing 431. In this way, the electrical interfaces 440 a-440 d may beprotected from the environment.

Referring to FIG. 5, a mountable electrical system 510 is shown mountedto a utility pole 580. The mountable electrical system 510 includes theelectrical apparatus 220 and a support structure 530. The supportstructure 530 is similar to the support structure 430 and includes anelectrical panel 550 and a bracket 535, which is configured to receivethe utility pole 580.

The utility pole 580 may be, for example, a concrete or wooden pole, orany other structure suitable for supporting an overhead transmissionline 581. The utility pole 580 is positioned into the ground 582. Thesupport structure 530 is mounted to the utility pole 580 at the bracket535. The bracket 535 may include a channel (such as the channel 446 ofFIGS. 4A and 4B) that receives and partially surrounds the utility pole580. The bracket 535 may be secured to the utility pole 580 with a brace584. The brace 584 connects to the bracket 535 and surrounds the portionof the utility pole 580 that is not surrounded by the bracket 535.

The electrical panel 550 includes electrical interfaces 552 a and 552 b.The electrical panel 550 may include more than two electricalinterfaces, and the interfaces 552 a and 552 b are shown forillustration. The electrical connector 223 of the electrical apparatus220 is electrically connected to the electrical interface 552 b. In theexample of FIG. 5, a control cable 586 is connected to the electricalinterface 552 a and to a control system 587. Although one control cable586 is shown in the example of FIG. 5, more than one control cable maybe used to connect the control system 587 to the electrical panel 550.The control system 587 is configured to generate command signals that,when provided to the electrical apparatus 220, are sufficient to controlthe electrical apparatus 220. For example, in implementations in whichthe electrical apparatus 220 is a recloser that includes a currentinterrupter, the command signal may cause the current interrupter tointerrupt current in a transmission line supported by the utility pole580 or to reclose to allow current to flow in the transmission line. Thecontrol system 587 may include an electronic processor, an electronicstorage (for example, volatile and/or non-volatile memory capable ofstoring a computer program), and an input/output interface that allowsan operator to interact with the control system 587 and/or theelectrical apparatus 220. In addition to the command signals, thecontrol system 587 may receive information from the electrical apparatus220 and/or any other device connected to the panel 550 through the oneor more control cables 586.

In the example of FIG. 5, the electrical interface 552 a is internallyconnected to the electrical interface 552 b such that connecting theelectrical apparatus 220 to the electrical interface 552 b via theelectrical connection 223 and connecting the control system 587 to theelectrical interface 552 a via the control cable 586 allows the controlsystem 587 to communicate with the electrical apparatus 220 (which isconnected at the electrical interface 552 b). As noted above, more thanone control cable may be used. For example, in some implementations, theelectrical interface 552 a is not internally connected to the electricalinterface 552 b. In these implementations, one control cable may connectthe electrical interface 552 a to the control system 587 and a separatecontrol cable may connect the electrical interface 552 b to the controlsystem 587.

In the example of FIG. 5, the control system 587 is mounted to theutility pole 580. However, other implementations are possible.

FIG. 6A shows the mountable electrical system 510 mounted to a post 680in a substation 690. The mountable electrical system 510 is attached tothe post 680 with a brace 684 that surrounds a portion of the post 680and connects to the bracket 535. A control system (such as the controlsystem 587 of FIG. 5) may be mounted on the post 680 and connected tothe electrical apparatus 220. FIG. 6B shows the mountable electricalsystem 510 mounted in a free standing configuration in the substation690. In this example, the system 510 is supported by extensions 696 thatare connected to lower extensions 672. The lower extensions 672 may besimilar to the lower extensions 472 of FIGS. 4A and 4B. In someimplementations, the extensions 696 replace the lower extensions 672. Acontrol system (such as the control system 587 of FIG. 5) may be mountedon the extensions 696 or in another location in the substation 690 andconnected to the electrical apparatus 220 via one or more control cables(such as the control cable 686 of FIG. 5).

The support structures 130, 230, 330, 430, and 530 are universalmounting systems in that the mechanical interfaces are arranged in theframe of the support structure to allow the electrical apparatuses to beconnected in more than one configuration or spatial arrangement relativeto each other without making any changes to the support structure. FIGS.7A-7C are perspective views of a mountable electrical system 710 that isattached to a utility pole 780. The mountable electrical system 710includes a support structure 730 and electrical apparatus 720 a, 720 b.FIGS. 7A and 7B show the support structure 730 being used to hold theelectrical apparatuses 720 a and 720 b in two different configurationsor spatial arrangements relative to each other. FIG. 7C is a view of anunderside 770 of the system 710 when the electrical apparatuses 720 aand 720 b are arranged in the configuration shown in FIG. 7A.

The support structure 730 has features similar to those of the supportstructures 130, 230, 330, 430, and 530. For example, the supportstructure 730 includes a plurality of mechanical interfaces 732 (onlyone of which is labeled in FIGS. 7A and 7C). The support structure 730also includes a bracket 735 and a frame, which includes frame portions733 a-733 d. Frame portion 733 a extends from the bracket 735, each offrame portions 733 b and 733 d extend from one end of the frame portion733 a, and the frame portion 733 c extends between the frame portions733 b and 733 d. In the example of FIGS. 7A-7B, at least threemechanical interfaces are formed in the frame portion 733 c, and atleast one mechanical interface is formed in each of the frame portions733 b and 733 d. In other examples, fewer or more mechanical interfacesmay be included in the frame portions 733 b, 733 c, 733 d. For example,in some implementations, the frame portion 733 c includes one mechanicalinterface.

In the examples of FIGS. 7A-7C, the electrical apparatus 720 a are twotransformers and the electrical apparatuses 720 b are three currentinterrupters (for example, vacuum interrupters, circuit breakers, oilreclosers, or a combination of such devices). The electrical apparatus720 b may be a triple-single phase arrangement with a separate apparatusused for each of three phases. Other types of electrical apparatus alsomay be connected to the support structure 730. In the configurationshown in FIG. 7A, each of the three of the current interrupters 720 b isattached to a mechanical interface in the frame portion 733 c, one ofthe transformers 720 a is attached to a mechanical interface in theframe portion 733 b, and the other transformer 720 a is attached to amechanical interface in the frame portion 733 d. Thus, the currentinterrupters 720 b are positioned along the frame portion 733 c in an“in-line” configuration.

In FIG. 7B, the support structure 730 is used to hold the electricalapparatus in a different configuration. One of the current interrupters720 b is attached to a mechanical interface in each of the frameportions 733 b, 733 c, 733 d. The transformers 720 a are attached tomechanical interfaces in the frame portion 733 c, with one transformer720 a on either side of the current interrupter that is attached at theframe portion 733 b. The configuration of FIG. 7B is a “cluster”configuration.

The same mechanical interfaces of the support structure 730 are used toattach the electrical apparatuses in the “in-line” configuration of FIG.7A and in the “cluster” configuration of FIG. 7B. In this way, thesupport structure 730 is a universal mounting structure or system. Thesupport structure 730 allows a plurality of electrical apparatuses to beconnected, and the electrical apparatuses may be arranged spatially inmore than one configuration without making physical changes to thesupport structure. Thus, the support structure 730 offers greaterflexibility and reduced costs.

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the underside 770 of the mountableelectrical system 710 in the “in-line” configuration of FIG. 7A. Asshown in FIG. 7C, the support structure 730 includes an electrical panel750 that accepts electrical connections from the current interrupters720 b. The electrical panel 750 also may connect to other electricalapparatuses connected to the support structure 730, such as thetransformers 720 a. The electrical panel 750 also may be configured toconnect to a control system (such as the control system 587 of FIG. 5)via one or more control cables (such as the control cable 586 of FIG.5). For example, one control cable 586 may connect the currentinterrupters 720 b to the control system and a separate control cable586 may connect the transformers 720 a to the control system.Additionally, each of the current interrupters 720 b includes anopen/close indicator 727, which has two distinct states that indicatewhether the current interrupter is closed (allowing current to flow) oropen (not allowing current to flow). The indicator 727 is visible to anoperator viewing the underside 770.

FIGS. 8A-8C show a perspective views of current interrupters 820A, 820B,820C, respectively. The current interrupters 820A, 820B, 820C may bevacuum interrupters. Any of the current interrupters 820A-820C may beused as the electrical apparatus 220, and the current interrupters820A-820C may connect to any of the support structures 130, 230, 330,430, 530, and 730. Each current interrupter 820A-820C includes arespective base portion 825A-825C that has a respective end 826A-826C.The base portions 825A-825C are configured and sized such that therespective end 826A-826C aligns with a bottom end of a support frame(such as the end 272 of FIG. 2D). The base portions 825A-825C may beblock-like, such as the base portions 825A and 825B, or the base portionmay be a set of rails, such as the base portion 825C.

Other features are within the scope of the claims. For example, any ofthe support structures 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, and 730 may be a single,unitary piece of material, such as a metal, that is formed from aplurality of individual pieces that are joined (for example, by weldingand/or by joining slots in one individual piece of the frame with acorresponding tab of another individual piece of the fame). The supportstructures 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, and 730 may be made from a metal,such as steel, or other robust material that allows the structure tosupport more than one electrical apparatus that weighs, for example, 125pounds (lbs), 150 lbs, or 300 lbs and allows the structure to withstandwinds of up to, for example, 40 meters/second. In other examples, any ofany of the support structures 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, and 730 may becut from a block of material or cast using a mold.

The support structures 230, 330, 430, 530, and 730 may include more orfewer mechanical and electrical interfaces than shown.

What is claimed is:
 1. A support structure configured to hold anelectrical apparatus configured for use in an electrical powerdistribution system, the support structure comprising: a framecomprising a mechanical interface configured to couple to a mechanicalconnection of the electrical apparatus; a support housing connected tothe frame, the support housing comprising a top portion and at least twoside portions, each side portion extending from the top portion in afirst direction; and an electrical panel comprising at least oneelectrical interface configured to electrically couple to the electricalapparatus, wherein the electrical panel is connected to the frame and isbetween two of the side portions of the support housing, the electricalpanel is separated from the top portion of the support housing along thefirst direction, and the at least one electrical interface faces anexterior of a space defined by the top portion of the support housing,the side portions of the support housing, and the electrical panel. 2.The support structure of claim 1, wherein the top portion of the supporthousing comprises a substantially flat section.
 3. The support structureof claim 2, further comprising a bracket that extends along the firstdirection between the top portion of the support housing and the frame,and wherein the substantially flat section extends from the bracket atan angle that is less than 90 degrees.
 4. The support structure of claim1, wherein the electrical panel extends from a portion of the frame, andthe electrical panel is not perpendicular to the portion of the frame.5. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the mechanical interfacebeing configured to couple to a mechanical connection comprises themechanical interface being configured to couple to a mechanicalconnection that is on a second housing, wherein the second housing atleast partially encloses the electrical apparatus.
 6. The supportstructure of claim 1, wherein one end of the electrical panel ishingedly connected to (a) one of the two of the side portions of thesupport housing or (b) to the frame.
 7. The support structure of claim1, wherein the support structure further comprises a bracket connectedto the frame, the bracket comprises a first side and a second side, thetop portion of the support housing extends from the first side of thebracket, and the second side of the bracket defines a channel, thechannel configured to receive a utility pole.
 8. The support structureof claim 1, wherein one or more posts extend from the frame along thefirst direction and away from the top portion of the support housing,and the one or more posts are configured to hold the support structureupright.
 9. The support structure of claim 1, wherein the electricalpanel is removably connected to the frame.
 10. A support structureconfigured to hold at least one electrical apparatus configured for usein an electrical power distribution system, the support structurecomprising: a frame comprising at least a first frame portion, a secondframe portion, a third frame portion, and a fourth frame portion,wherein the first frame portion is connected to the second and thirdframe portions, the fourth frame portion is connected to the second andthird frame portions, and at least one of the first frame portion, thesecond frame portion, the third frame portion, and the fourth frameportion comprises a mechanical connection configured to hold anelectrical apparatus; a bracket connected to the first frame portion; ahousing comprising a top housing portion, the top housing portionconnected to the bracket; and an electrical panel comprising at leastone electrical interface configured for electrical connection to anelectrical apparatus, wherein the electrical panel is arranged relativeto the housing to define a space between the top housing portion and theelectrical panel, and the at least one electrical interface is at a sideof the electrical panel that faces away from the space.
 11. The supportstructure of claim 10, wherein the top housing portion comprises asubstantially flat section, and the substantially flat section extendsfrom the bracket at an angle.
 12. The support structure of claim 11,wherein the angle is less than 90 degrees.
 13. The support structure ofclaim 10, wherein a first end of the electrical panel is connected tothe first frame portion at a connection interface.
 14. The supportstructure of claim 13, wherein the connection interface is configured toallow the electrical panel to move relative to the first frame portion.15. The support structure of claim 14, wherein the connection interfacecomprises a hinge, the hinge being connected to the first end of theelectrical panel and the first frame portion.
 16. The support structureof claim 10, wherein the housing further comprises a plurality of sidehousing portions, each of the side housing portions extending betweenthe top housing portion and the electrical panel such that the space iscompletely enclosed.
 17. The support structure of claim 10, wherein theelectrical panel extends from the first frame portion at an angle thatis less than 90 degrees or greater than 90 degrees.
 18. A supportstructure configured to hold more than one electrical apparatusconfigured for use in an electrical power distribution system, thesupport structure comprising: a single-piece frame comprising aplurality of mechanical connections, each mechanical connectionconfigured to hold an electrical apparatus, the single-piece framefurther comprising: a first frame portion; a second frame portion; athird frame portion extending from the first frame portion to the secondframe portion, and a fourth frame portion extending from the first frameportion to the second frame portion; a housing connected to thesingle-piece frame, the housing comprising a top housing portion; and anelectrical panel comprising a first panel side, a second panel side, andplurality of electrical interfaces at the first panel side, eachelectrical interface configured for electrical connection to anelectrical apparatus, wherein the top housing portion extends over thesecond panel side.
 19. The support structure of claim 18, furthercomprising a bracket that extends between the first frame portion andthe top housing portion along a first direction, wherein the electricalpanel is configured to be received in the single-piece frame at an anglerelative to the first direction, the angle being greater than 90 degreesor less than 90 degrees.
 20. The support structure of claim 19, whereineach of the first frame portion, the second frame portion, the thirdframe portion, and the fourth frame portion comprise a substantiallyplanar portion that extends along the first direction, and and theplurality of mechanical connections are formed in the planar portion ofany of the second frame portion, the third frame portion, and the fourthframe portion.